WFP Moves To Assist Flood-Hit Philippines

WFP is moving quickly to provide food assistance to victims of the current torrential rains in the Maguindanao province of the Philippines, where flooding has caused serious displacement and disruption to people's livelihoods. First food distributions will start on Saturday.

MANILA -- WFP is moving quickly to provide food assistance to victims of the current torrential rains in the Maguindanao province of the Philippines. First food distributions will start on Saturday.

The rains have caused serious displacement and disruption to the livelihoods to people in the affected zone, including in areas where WFP is already working to assist people affected by conflict.

WFP’s assistance complements the government’s relief effort, with more than 600,000 people in the southern Philippines affected. It follows the completion of a rapid assessment with the government authorities and an official request from the government to join the response. WFP will distribute 1,200 tons of rice and vegetable oil from its existing operation in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to about 273,000 victims 11 flood-affected municipalities.

“WFP’s deep-field presence in far-flung places like Maguindanao give us the ability to react quickly and effectively in times of crisis,” said WFP Philippines Country Director Stephen Anderson. “This latest displacement is so tough on people in this part of the world, who have already been through so much.”

Since Tuesday, Tropical Storm Meari has been dumping heavy rains throughout the northern Philippines island of Luzon, including in the national capital region of Metro Manila, triggering flashfloods that have affected at least 171,000 people, though this number is expected to increase as more information becomes available.

The CO will monitor the impact of the heavy rains which are expected to continue through this weekend, and stands ready to provide assistance, should the government require it.